Sandra‘s Closet

After the first drop in December 2019, Prada and adidas Originals unveil the second part of their collaboration and propose a timeless, eternal classic, reengineered for the now – the Superstar. Now retailing alone, the iconic Superstar style is offered in a trio of new colorways: monochrome black, white with black, and chrome silver with white. For a new decade, a new point of view.

This step of the ongoing collaboration between Prada and adidas emphasizes qualities shared by and synonymous with each: collaboration, innate respect for heritage, a passion for sport. Craftsmanship is at the heart of the Prada Superstar sneaker – executed by Prada’s footwear specialists, fusing the lexicon of luxury with the language of high-performance sportswear in a style of shoe that has always been, in and of itself, unique and groundbreaking.

The streamlined silhouette of the adidas Originals Superstar sneaker – an inherently modern, entirely unisex design, first created in 1969 – is translated into full-grain leather. Its origins – Made in Italy – are heat-stamped into the side, a marker of superlative quality appreciated around the world, alongside the dual logos of Prada and adidas Originals, which appear together on the tongue of every pair. The fundamental character of the Superstar remains unchanged: it is a style icon, a timeless item which does not call for re-design, but rather provokes reconsideration.

The importance of handiwork and of craft, over everything, is underscored in the campaign, a fantastical, surreal reimagining of the actual process of creation of the Prada Superstar. Toying with scale through a miniature recreation of Prada’s manufacturing spaces in Le Marche region, the viewer can observe the final painstaking touches being made to each new colorway. The Superstar here is super-scale – this interplay of proportions magnifies and emphasizes the instantly-recognizable features of the Superstar – the triple-stripe, trefoil, and rubber shell toe – as well as the addition of the dual Prada and adidas Originals logos.

The new Prada Superstar will launch starting from 8 September 2020, via Prada boutiques and adidas flagship stores worldwide, alongside selected wholesalers. The range is also available via prada.com and adidas.com.

The partnership of Prada and adidas will develop and flourish. The next facet of this collaboration is linked to the America’s Cup – an expression of a mutual love for and enthusiastic participation in the arena of sport by both Prada and adidas.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Prada #Pradaforadidas

Gucci Westman (48) believes that cosmetics should do more than enhance – they should calm, replenish and balance to create the perfect canvas. Known for her «second-skin» approach, the celebrity makeup artist developed Westman Atelier so you can achieve a dewy, glowing complexion at home. The label’s line of creamy foundations, blushes and bronzers are consciously made using clean, plant-based actives for a naturally radiant finish. Don’t miss the eco-friendly brushes, thoughtfully designed for easy control and flawless application.

ABOUT GUCCI WESTMAN

Born in October 1971 in California and raised in Sweden, Gucci Westman has more than 20 years of professional experience as a major editorial makeup artist, contributing to publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, ad campaigns for Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana, and backstage at fashion shows such as Brock Collection and Oscar de la Renta. Gucci served as the International Artistic Director of Lancôme from 2003-2007 and Global Artistic Director of Revlon from 2008-2015. However, she rose to prominence creating dewy, supernaturally glowy looks for celebrity clients including Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, and Gwyneth Paltrow—establishing her highly coveted «second-skin» approach to makeup.

A lifelong vegetarian with a commitment to holistic living, Gucci feels strongly that «luxury,» «efficacy,» and «clean» don’t have to be a contradiction when it comes to exceptional makeup. For her first beauty line, she designed a creamy range of seamless foundations, blushes, bronzers and highlighters that take a «plants-first» approach to crafting the perfect canvas.

Developed to work together as a «makeup wardrobe,» Gucci’s mission is to provide women with a seamlessly edited range of options as multifaceted as their lives. Naturally beautiful, radiantly amplified skin, now available to everyone.

Behind every successful woman stands a strong man… power couple Westman-Neville.

She has three children, Dashel, Gray and Petal, with Rag & Bone cofounder David Neville (44), who handles all business aspects of Westman Atelier, since he has stepped down as CEO from his own brand.

Fast. Easy. Flawless. Safe.
Makeup that makes life simpler.
Skin that feels as good as it looks.

ABOUT WESTMAN ATELIER

Gucci Westman’s cosmetics line stands for consciously crafted beauty that means…
– Luxurious, effortlessly beautiful makeup formulated with clean ingredients and no-compromises integrity.
– Balancing perfect shades and buttery textures that melt into the skin with plant-based actives and cutting-edge science.
– A passionate commitment to researching and reassessing the ingredients as new information comes to light.

Westman Atelier ingredients are thoughtfully curated by Gucci in the lab alongside the very best chemists to create skin-nourishing, clean makeup that uses potent actives at clinically proven efficacy levels – and performs at the highest possible standard.

Westman Atelier is now available at Spitzenhaus in Zurich.

MY PERSONAL HERO PRODUCTS

For my Swiss readers, I have some great news: Westman Atelier is now exclusively available at Spitzenhaus in Zurich. The team will happily assist you in finding your personal favorites. To make your choice easier, I have put together a list of must-haves you shouldn’t miss. Click on the highlighted product description to find out more.
To shop Westman Atelier online, click HERE please.

Lip Suede

This luxurious lip color palette contains four vibrant shades infused with long-lasting pigments and powerful regenerating benefits. Housed in a bright lacquered compact, each ultra-flattering lip shade – in fuchsia, brick, tomato red, and warm dusty rose – can be custom mixed for endless possibilities. Nourishes, plumps, and boosts collagen using clean actives in an innovative petroleum-free base. Matte suede texture moisturizes and conditions lips.

Eye Love You Mascara – Clean Black

This luxurious 96% natural origin mascara combines innovative plant-powered technology with creamy conditioning ingredients and a densely packed nylon brush that volumizes, defines, and curls. The result is supercharged lashes that are glossy, pitch black, and healthy from the root.

Foundation Brush

Paddle foundation brush with tapered, flat bristles that will quickly become your go-to for precise applications, correcting imperfections and achieving a naturally polished finish. Blends and smooths Vital Skin Foundation Stick for a fresh and dimensional look.

Vital Skin Foundation Stick

Luxurious cream foundation rich in antioxidants and formulated with active ingredients to combat redness, calm irritation, even out complexion, and boost moisture. Molten texture melts into skin for a radiant, natural finish. Your natural skin, effortlessly enhanced.

Have fun exploring this great new line…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Westman Atelier, © Net-à-Porter and © Spitzenhaus Zürich
*Less than 1% of silicones found in Baby Cheeks Blush, Face Trace Contour, and Beauty Butter Bronzer as part of a biomimicry technology system to protect skin. Read more about it here.
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Looking outside at this dreadful, rainy weather makes me realize that we probably have to say bye, bye to summer already. I am such a warm weather girl and will miss those carefree days when you just need a dress and a pair of sandals to look fabulous with no need to worry about layering.

My look: Pleated cotton-blend poplin shirt dress, tasseled twisted leather waist belt, Valentino Garavani Upflair feather-trimmed leather sandals, all by Valentino, crystal-embellished gold-tone necklace by Versace, vintage chain necklace with coin charm by Louis Vuitton, Coco Crush long ear cuff in white and beige gold with diamonds, Coco Crush ear cuffs in white and beige gold with diamonds, Coco Crush ear cuff and ear ring in white and yellow gold with diamonds, and Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold, all by CHANEL Fine Jewellery, Clash de Cartier ring large model in pink gold with amazonite, Panthère de Cartier Manchette 22mm 18-karat rose gold and diamond watch, JUSTE UN CLOU bracelet in rose gold with diamonds, LOVE bracelet SM in white gold, LOVE bracelet SM in yellow gold with 10 diamonds, LOVE bracelet in rose gold with 4 diamonds, all by Cartier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Welcome to Paris: the city of lovers, artists and poets. Paying tribute to the City of Light’s splendor, the CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN launches its new signature tote: The Cabaraparis.

«Paris is my ultimate muse. It’s one of the most visited cities in the world, with some of the grandest architecture. I wanted to capture that fantasy element of Paris, not anchor the CABARAPARIS in reality.» Christian Louboutin

Marking the first artist collaboration on a seasonal tote, the Cabaraparis is typically tongue-in-cheek. Featuring five neoprene panels illustrated by the talented Hélène Tran, the city’s most timeless characters and iconic monuments are brought to life by her inimitable brushstrokes.

To shop the Cabaraparis Day tote, click here please.

Available in two precious strass-embellished styles, the Cabaraparis pays tribute to the City of Light’s two facets. By day, the Cabaraparis takes us on a whirlwind ride through the capital’s streets. Dotted throughout this dreamscape map of Paris, we discover a giant red-soled Corset stiletto pumps, flirtatious chimeras and crazed streetlamps, all more charismatic than the last. In a whimsical twist, love letters written by Christian to his beloved city line the Cabaraparis Day’s interior.

To shop the Cabaraparis Night tote, click here please.

Over on the Cabaraparis Night, the sun has set and the cabaret lights dazzle with their brilliance. Chimeras beguile and enchant Christian, turning him into a Parisian sphinx, half human, half leopard. High in the inky blue sky, a CL star twinkles with strass crystals whilst on rue Jean Jacques Rousseau, the Maison’s flagship boutique illuminates the darkened streets, drawing in curious passersby. On the tote’s lining, a feline Christian meows, «T’shoes me!».

Part of this amazing capsule collection are of course different high heels and sneakers – one pair more beautiful than the other.

A whirlwind of imagination and storytelling, the launch of the Cabarapariswas set to coincide with a retrospective exhibition at the famed Palais de la Porte Dorée, dedicated to the designer’s creative universe. Needless to say, Paris is always a good idea!

TO SHOP CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN ONLINE, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Christian Louboutin
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

To mark the brand’s twentieth anniversary, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle celebrates the thirty-two perfumes created so far by looking back to the year of their creation and offering a number of limited editions.

Seven of the most popular perfumes, Bigarade Concentrée, Vétiver Extraordinaire, French Lover, L’Eau d’Hiver, Musc Ravageur, Carnal Flower and Portrait of a Lady, are presented for this special occasion in 100ml featuring a red bakelite cap – the brand’s signature color. The packaging and the bottles are elegantly clad in a frieze designed by Patrick Li, creative director of The New York Times’ T Magazine, that tells the story of twenty years of creation.

Bigarade Concentrée – € 215 (100ml)
French Lover – € 215 (100ml)
L’Eau d’Hiver – € 185 (100ml)
Vetiver Extraordinaire – €245 (100ml)
Musc Ravageur – € 215 (100ml)
Carnal Flower – € 285 (100ml)
Portrait of a Lady – € 285 (100ml)

The same imagery adorns two travel sets featuring a selection of three perfumes for him or her, offering a dream opportunity to enhance your getaways or widen your olfactive horizons. And finally, a twenty-year limited-edition discovery coffret allows you to treat yourself, or a fellow perfume lover, to the joy of discovering twelve emblematic masterpieces from the collection.

Discovery Set – €45 (12 x 1.2ml)
20Y Men Set – € 170 (3 x 10ml)
20Y Women Set – € 195 (3 x 10ml)

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle

Love dogs? So do I! International Dog Day is recognized worldwide on August 26th annually to celebrate all dogs and encourage adoption. Whether mixed or purebred, our furry best friends all give us companionship, keep us safe and healthy, both physically and mentally. I grew up with an Irish Setter, called Satan, that was the most «human» dog you can imagine, he even laughed. Till this day, I miss him terribly. Later, we had a Yorkshire Terrier and many Rottweilers, all very kind yet protective. Therefore, today’s post is dedicated to our love for those beautiful creatures.

1 Intarsia cotton sweater by Casablanca
2 Dog gold-plated necklace by Alighieri
3 Love is the Dog wool-blend sweater by Bella Freud
4 Elice painted dog-print cotton T-shirt by Acne Studios

5 Dog print buttoned shirt by Acne Studios
6 Dog-pattern scarf by Acne Studios
7 Dog print scarf by Paul Smith
8 Dog roll-neck jumper by P.A.R.O.S.H.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Stills: Courtesy of the Brands
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

«Impeccably imperfect» – that is the new catchy slogan that the new Baur’s plays with. Imagined by Andrea Kracht and created by trendsetting interior designer Martin Brudnizki, who designed the elite nightclub «Annabel’s» in London as well as the «Beekman Hotel» in New York City and «Fortum & Mason» in Hong Kong, this hot spot in Zurich will finally reopen its doors in September this year.

I had the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful interior during a guided art tour as guest of Gigi Kracht followed by a beautiful intimate ladies lunch on the terrace of the Baur au Lac.

Gigi Kracht (center with green jacket) surrounded by her girlfriends.

«Take a set, grab a treat» – the classic brasserie concept is elevated to a whole new level, blending contemporary chic with international grace in an artful, inviting ambience. The colors blend in perfectly, the retro vibe delivers a certain twist. I adore the interior design of the Baur’s. It gives me this international flair that we are sometimes missing in Zurich.

As I am at the moment designing my new home, color is also a must for me along with stunning wallpapers to create the perfect ambiance. The Baur’s has it all. I am not a minimalist and white rooms don’t make me feel at home. I couldn’t agree more with Brudnizki who says: «When I enter a white space, I feel like I’m being deprived of something. Color infuses my life.»

The best is yet to come. The green color combined with the coral red of the armchairs serves as the perfect backdrop for the highlight of the restaurant: the private art collection. Drawing on the expertise of Gigi Kracht, Andrea Kracht’s wife, that my avid readers know well from her Art in the Park events, the room is filled with selected works from the world’s most popular painters: thirty-three originals by artists such as Rashid Johnson, Rita Ackermann, and Martin Creed to photographs by the iconic Annie Leibovitz, to intimate art work by Louise Bourgeois who shares a raw look at female pain.

Painting by Louise Bourgeois

Even that these simple yet cruel images contain a sensual sense of loss and the often unspoken sorrow of miscarriage, they seem to belong there, to this place of happiness and relaxation among dear friends or business partners, providing the bar area with a certain coziness.

Photographs by Annie Leibovitz

Cigar aficionados will enjoy the cigar lounge that is decked out from top to toe in Baur’s green and decorated with artwork by Swiss artist Dieter Roth, who took tablecloths, or even the floor as his canvas to scribble on.

Painting by Dieter Roth 

Playing all together, the new Baur’s is a feast for all senses. Vive la Brasserie! Vive le Baur’s!

LoL, Sandra

Artwork by Martin Creed

Painting by Rita Ackermann

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

When I was a little girl I would play dress up and prance around, twirling tulle skirts, and admiring the glamorous reflection of my sparkly earrings. Today I wished I could just beam me back to those fun times playing with my Barbie dolls and Hello Kitty gadgets. My iPhone crashed completely and it took me 8 hours to rescue everything. This made me realize how dependent we all are on this portable device and how I sometimes miss those carefree days.

Playing dress up is still so much fun for me and I love to indulge in those happy, pink, and girly moments. Therefore I left my daughter’s playroom exactly as it was when she was a little kid. The perfect backdrop for this fun and playful outfit.

My look: Tulle midi dress by Dolce & Gabbana, Chiara embroidered leather sandals by Sophia Webster, Hello Kitty printed leather tote by Balenciaga, bow and crystal-embellished wrap bracelet by Miu Miu, silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Alessandra Rich, and oversized bow hairband by Moschino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise. 

Louis Vuitton’s men’s ad campaign for F/W 2020 was shot by my favorite photographer on earth, Tim Walker. I adore his surrealistic approach to photography, transforming every photo in a piece of art. Below you can read about the inspiration behind the campaign and the collection imagined by the Maison’s Men’s Artistic Director Virgil Abloh.

Black Imagination: The transformative process of rethinking and overturning the inherited and often unconscious expectations tied to Black identities through history, and creating an encouraging Black consciousness for the present and the future.

The utopian idea of «Heaven on Earth» creates the framework for the Louis Vuitton F/W 2020 Men’s campaign. Photographed by Tim Walker, the images widen the collection’s surrealist lens through the metaphorical language of clouds. Applying his ongoing premise of Boyhood – seeing the world through the unspoiled eyes of a child, Virgil Abloh employs clouds as a symbol of freedom, unity and peace. Evading constraint, territory and possession, they are dreamlike bodies floating across a sky observed universally across borders and beliefs.

The title of the F/W 2020 collection, «Heaven on Earth» is an image of the core values embodied by Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton: a dream world that transcends prejudice as an objective to inspire inclusivity and unity-in-diversity through his work. It is underpinned by the overarching philosophy of Black Imagination and the continual imbuement of Black representation
within fashion, luxury and beyond. Shot in London, the campaign lends its platform to young creative talent from across the arts, featuring the likes of British actor Michael Ward and Ghanaian model Ottawa Kwami as part of its cast.

The collection studies the anthropology of the suit and the reprogramming of traditional dress codes. Virgil Abloh investigates the lifelong relationship formed by adolescent and young men with shirting and suiting in a material and figurative exercise in freedom, presented within the familiar constrictions of tailoring. The firm symbol of convention, trade and success, the tapered silhouette departs its corporate comfort zone. Twisted and turned, the dress codes of an old world are neutralised, re-appropriated and embraced for a progressive joie de vivre.

Isn’t it so impressive to explore how much work, inspiration and thought went into one picture.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton
DISCLOSURE: This post is NOT sponsored. I just adore the photos.

Fashion talks a big game when it comes to inclusion, but few brands can actually back it up. In September 2018, Feriel Moulaï shot to fame making her debut as the first hijabi model in history to walk at Paris Fashion Week when she appeared on the Koché S/S 2019 runway and Fendi casted Jill Kortleve and Paloma Elsesser for its F/W 2020 runway show in Milan. They were the first «plus size» models to walk in a Fendi show ever. Such a breath of fresh air…

Halima Aden in a Tommy Hilfiger burkini for the Sports Illustrated last month.

This weekend, Tommy Hilfiger, one of America’s most well known fashion labels, has just unveiled its first hijab. Joining the multi billion-dollar modest fashion industry, this is not the first time the brand has designed with modesty in mind, however, as it recently dressed hijabi model Halima Aden in a custom-made burkini.

Hilfiger’s first-ever hijab

Launching on 24 August for purchase globally in select stores and online, Hilfiger’s hijab will come in a fine, woven jacquard boosted with light shimmer via a glittering metallic thread dubbed as soft lurex. Decorated with the initials TH in a tumbling block pattern, the hijab serves up a breathable, lightweight and chic option for the everydays.

Early adopter: in 2016, Dolce & Gabbana launched a collection of hijabs and abayas.

The decision for the launch is surely business-driven as the State of the Global Islamic Economy report presents the continued momentum of the Islamic economy, projecting the modest fashion industry to be worth an estimated £226 billion worldwide.

A number of luxurious brands, such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry and DKNY, have all produced pieces or entire collections aimed specifically at the modest market.

The Japanese company Uniqlo has unveiled a collaboration for F/W 2020 with British hijabi designer Hana Tajima. Embodying a rich sense of cultural diversity, this exclusive collaboration line features elegantly simplistic yet considered pieces, offering comfortable, versatile clothing for all women of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, culture or belief.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, © TOMMY HILFIGER, @HALIMA